April 15th 2024

The sound of the front door opening shook Feyra out of her thoughts. The telltale sound of boots being toed off and a coat being hung on the hook next to the door had her setting her bow down on the table, a smile growing on her face.

She wiped her hands on a rag, the scent of the oil she used to keep the limbs of her bow supple permeating her space. It reminded her of nights spent in the desert, of campfires and Talus’s cooking.

“You’re back already?” Feyra asked, crossing the threshold of the mini-armoury into the entry hall.

Ailith grinned up at her from where she was kneeling on the floor, petting the small black cat that had wiggled its way between her knees.

With one final scratch behind Shadow’s ear, Ailith rose from the floor, and Feyra tried not to get too distracted by the smooth movement.

It had been 16 years and the way Ailith moved still drove Feyra just the tiniest bit insane. She’d only been gone for a couple days, but Feyra was so accustomed to having Ailith within reach that those few days had felt like a hundred.

“I hurried back just for you,” Ailith teased, wrapping Feyra in a hug. Feyra couldn’t help the way she melted into Ailith’s embrace.

It didn’t embarrass her anymore, the way she reacted to Ailith. She no longer cared about seeming weak or foolish—she just cared about how it felt to be the sole object of Ailith’s attention and affection.

“How is our girl doing?” Feyra murmured into the side of Ailith’s neck. She felt when the other woman stiffened slightly, heaving a sigh that sent goosebumps skittering across Feyra’s skin.

“Honestly? I think she’s thriving.” Feyra knew how much it had pained Ailith to see Barley go to work for Jack Rathbone, but the girl had never been one for staying put. “She has a miniature crew and everything, she’s a regular pirate out there.”

Feyra pulled back to look at Ailith, unsurprised to see tears building in her eyes.

“Hey,” she whispered, cupping Ailith’s face. “If she has a crew, if she has friends, she’ll be fine. You know that.” They both did, actually. Feyra wouldn’t have survived without Ailith and the rest of the First and Last. None of them would have made it without the others.

“You’re right, as usual.” Ailith gave a small smile.

“Yes, I am.” Feyra leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Ailith’s lips. “Now, take me upstairs and let me welcome you home properly.”